PS Wachira Calls for Urgent Flood Preparations as Nairobi Residents Near Rivers Face Relocation
By Editorial Team
The government has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains in Nairobi, urging residents living along river corridors to move to safer areas as authorities intensify efforts to prevent flooding, protect property and minimise loss of lives.
Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said the government was implementing measures to clear drainage systems, protect electricity infrastructure and reduce the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
Speaking to the residents of South B, Wachira said the preparations followed a meeting led by the Deputy President, bringing together key officials, including the Nairobi Governor, representatives from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
He said the government’s priority was to minimise the destruction of property and prevent loss of lives during the rainy season.
“Our aim and the instructions that we have received from none other than the Deputy President is that we need to try our level best and ensure that there will be minimal destruction of property during El Niño rains and minimal, if not zero, loss of life because of the rains,” Wachira said.
According to the PS, the government is focusing on clearing drainage channels and waterways across Nairobi to reduce the possibility of flooding. It is also addressing risks posed by trees growing near electricity lines, which can cause power interruptions during heavy rains.
Wachira urged residents to support the government’s efforts by clearing drainage systems near their homes and taking action where trees pose a danger to power infrastructure.
“If you have a tree that is close to the power line, please help us clear that area so that during the rains we do not have outages caused by something that we could have intervened in,” he said.
The government has also warned residents living along riverbanks and other waterways to move to higher ground before the rains intensify. Wachira said interventions were being carried out across the county to ensure that drainage channels and rivers remained clear.
“We continue doing what is needed. We are doing a serious intervention around the county of Nairobi to ensure that all the drainages are clear and all the rivers are clear,” he said.
Wachira further disclosed that the government had identified areas where people at risk of flooding could be evacuated, including designated locations and flats where affected households would be taken.
“Yes, there will be areas that are earmarked for repatriation. So, there will be flats, the areas that are earmarked, where people will be evacuated to,” he said.
At the same time, the PS cautioned residents who have encroached on river corridors to remove walls, boundaries and other structures obstructing waterways. He called on them to cooperate with government teams carrying out clearance operations.
“Those who are encroaching on river lines, please just give way to the team. Ensure that you remove the boundaries and the walls that are encroaching on the rivers,” Wachira said.
The measures are intended to address flooding risks, blocked drainage systems, damage to property and power outages as the country prepares for the expected rains.
Wachira urged Nairobi residents to take early precautions, cooperate with government officials and avoid putting their lives and property at risk by remaining in areas vulnerable to flooding.
